Lionel Messi showed his world-class talent early in the second half of Nashville SC’s round-of-16 Champions Cup first leg against Inter Miami on Thursday at Geodis Park.
Messi beat Nashville SC goalkeeper Joe Willis with a sinking shot from outside of the box into the right corner of the goal to cut Nashville SC’s lead to 2-1 in the 52nd minute.
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Messi had a couple of missed opportunities in the first half, including a misplayed shot in the 37th minute, and a free kick from just outside the box that hit the Nashville SC wall in first-half stoppage time. But after a second Jacob Shaffelburg goal for Nashville SC early in the second half, Messi made his mark on the game.
Messi scored in his first career match against Nashville SC in the Aug. 19, 2023, Leagues Cup final at Geodis Park. He struck a 23rd minute goal into the top left corner to give Inter Miami an early lead. Miami would end up winning the game and the Leagues Cup in penalties in Messi’s first competition with the MLS club.
This is Messi’s first full season with Inter Miami and in MLS. The Argentinian, who signed with Miami in July 2023, has three goals in three MLS matches this season.
Nashville SC and Inter Miami will play the second leg of the round of 16 Champions Cup tie on March 13 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
First appeared on www.tennessean.com